Wilmington News & Blogs

HALLOWEEN-INSPIRED THRILLS BECKON ALL AGES IN WILMINGTON AND BEACHES

Posted on October 23, 2018

Wilmington, NC: Did you know that Wilmington, North Carolina is among the South’s most haunted cities? Wilmington’s past is retold year-round on guided ghost walks and paranormal tours. During late October, Halloween-theme events add another dimension with haunted attractions, spooky theatrical productions, scary movies, zombie and costume parties, and other ghoulish events. Craft breweries also celebrate with seasonal brews and spirited entertainment. Families seeking non-scary fun can enjoy fall festivals, carriage rides to a haunted barn, and trick-or-treating at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Here’s a sampling of Halloween Happenings from the river to the sea:

On the evening of the full moon, join a guided tour through the Manor House seeking possible paranormal activities. Deceased members of the Foy family still make their presence known in particular rooms of the house, and there are lots of stories to share of how they have introduced themselves over the years. poplargrove.org/dailytours/paranormal-ghost-tours/

Experience an annual Halloween Haunted House that shows you why "it isn't safe to walk through these woods alone" with terror that is "unleashed" just in time for the spooky season. A short preview video on their social media page will change the way you view "Little Red Riding Hood". Rated PG 13-- this event is best suited for Ages 13 and over. Admission charged.facebook.com/hauntedlyceum

Discover the customs and rituals of death in Victorian Era America. Thursday through Saturday evening tours of the house examine the decorations, clothing, burial practices, and foods that were customary for Victorians when death visited their family. lcfhs.org/

For a spooky and safe place to take the kids on Halloween, visit Trick-or-Treat Under the Sea at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. This family-friendly event features thrills and gills and includes indoor trick-or-treating, face painting, storytelling and haunted gardens. The family can view spooky divers in the massive fish tank and watch performances by the No Sleeves Magic Camp. ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

Prepare to be scared with this Friday night Haunted Trail through the spooky live oaks at the secluded Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This is not for younger children, the faint of heart or furry friends (dogs are always welcome on the beach area). ncparks.gov/fort-fisher-state-recreation-area

Enjoy a showing of a creature double feature of the original "Night of the Living Dead" and "House on Haunted Hill" at the historic Bellamy Mansion this Halloween. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets--costumes are encouraged. These intense and gory classics are definitely not for children, but are sure to be a spine tingling night out for adults! facebook.com/events/680910535616927

Enjoy this unique paranormal ghost tour discovering spirits and haunts, or haints, of all eras from 1850 to 1950 as they continue to hover around this historic manor house. There are lots of true stories of the Poplar Grove's Foy Family household haints to share, including a murderous crime of passion. poplargrove.org/festivals/paranormalghosttours/

The Grand Guignol was the original theatre of the vampires, specializing in naturalistic horror and alternating with vaudeville-style comedy and variety. TheatreNOW presents three tales with a Halloween-themed dinner menu. Advance tickets required. 910-399-3669;theatrewilmington.com/dinner-shows--events.html

Haunted Halloween Mirror Maze: October 26-27Museum of the Bizarre: 201 S Water St. Wilmington

You never know who (or what) will pop out to say hello as you try to navigate through this hall of mirrors. Some objects may be closer than they appear. This is definitely not for younger children or the faint of heart.... enter if you dare! Admission charged; museumbizarre.com/events

Costumes in the Surf: October 27 Alabama St. access, Carolina Beach

Surf competitors come dressed for tricks on the water or treats on the beach. A donut eating contest, along with best surfer in costume will take place. It's an all-day event, with the surfers in costume taking to the water around 1 pm. esa-snc.com/calendar/

Have a Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat time with Sun Coast Cruisers. On Saturday, the classic show cars will have their trunks full of goodies for Trick-or-Treaters. Costumes welcome with trophies and prizes for best costumes and best car. suncoastcruisers.com/

Take a ghost ride through downtown Wilmington and enjoy the Haunted Barn experience. Listen to ghost stories tailored for young children, without the gore and violence of today's Halloween and let your little ones enjoy Halloween the way it used to be. Free treats for children, no reservation required. horsedrawntours.com/id2.html

Discover what makes Wilmington and its island beaches such a ‘spirited’ Halloween destination. For a complete event calendar, click here. For seasonal highlights, click here. To request a free Official Visitors Guide, email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com or call 1-866-266-9690.